TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Regional governments conducted emergency drills Tuesday (Dec. 23), with Kaohsiung simulating crowd surges and physical altercations at Dream Mall (夢時代). The Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部) coordinated the nationwide security enhancement after the random knife attack near Taipei MRT hubs left four dead on Dec. 19. Taiwan will deploy approximately 17,000 police and civil defense personnel to secure 137 large-scale events nationwide before the Lunar New Year, according to authorities.
Kaohsiung's comprehensive drill on Tuesday tested law enforcement responses to physical altercations and crowd surges. Traffic and criminal police divisions participated in emergency scenario simulations designed to ensure swift responses to potential threats. The exercise prepared multiple police units for New Year's Eve celebrations, establishing rapid-response protocols and coordination systems for handling large crowds at major entertainment venues across the southern city.
Kaohsiung City Police Department Commissioner Lin Yen-tien (林炎田) announced the deployment of 1,206 officers and volunteers at Dream Mall, as well as 363 officers at E-DA World (義大世界). The southern city will deploy drones and high-definition spherical cameras for 360-degree surveillance from elevated positions. Lin emphasized enhanced public transportation security and increased police visibility following the Taipei knife attack at transportation hubs.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) extended security measures through March 3, covering the Lantern Festival (元宵節), a traditional Chinese festival marking the first full moon of the lunar year. The central Taiwan city deployed approximately 600 police officers, along with special forces, utilizing over 30,000 surveillance cameras and implementing a cell broadcast system for emergency alerts. Taichung installed temporary monitoring systems at event venues and assigned 40 officers to patrol MRT stations. Traffic control and security checkpoints will remain operational throughout the extended security period.
